June 24, 2016
Image Source: Halfpoint / iStock
Lately, the world has been a challenging place to navigate. From shocking acts of violence to distressing news stories about animals and tragic events, my emotions have been on a rollercoaster. My children have seen me reading articles, tearfully reacting to heartbreaking news, and trying to articulate my thoughts in the hopes of inspiring change.
Should we shield our kids from the harsh realities of life for a bit longer, or is it essential for them to understand that they’re part of this complex world? I’m torn on this. Typically, I try to filter my reactions so they don’t grow up thinking that everything is sunshine and rainbows.
When my kids ask, “Why are you upset, Mom?” after witnessing me read another tragic headline, I often respond with, “Some people have died, and that makes me sad.”
What I think: A gunman has taken innocent lives.
What I think: A child was snatched away by an alligator.
What I think: Kids went to school and never returned home.
What I think: Why are automatic weapons so readily available?
What I think: Where has our empathy gone?
But those thoughts remain unspoken for now. In time, when they’re older and can comprehend more, I’ll share. For now, they know that life can be difficult and that it’s okay to feel sad.
Then there are moments when I throw caution to the wind. Just this past weekend, while camping next to a rushing river swollen from melting snow, I chose to intentionally frighten my kids. I shared all the terrifying stories I could think of about rivers—how children and adults can be swept away in a heartbeat. I broke my own rule and gave them every detail.
After I finished my tales, my four-year-old, eyes wide with fear, asked, “Did those kids die?” I replied, “Yes.” I was aware that I was shaking her innocence, but I hoped it would keep her safe and away from the river if I ever took my eyes off her.
Despite our best efforts to protect them, I believe our kids often know more than we realize. They live in a world where school drills are a reality, where buckling their seatbelts is second nature, and they know how to act in the presence of wildlife. My daughter even screamed when she spotted a friend heading toward that rushing river.
We can only shield them for so long. Before we know it, they’ll be the ones making choices and shaping the world around them. I genuinely hope they do a better job than we have in recent times.
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Summary:
Navigating the complexities of the world can be challenging, especially when it comes to our children. While we often shield them from harsh realities, there are moments we must let them witness our emotions and struggles. This balance between protection and preparation is crucial, as they will eventually face the world on their own.